Unit Outline
ENG425
Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Semester 1, 2026
Alan Henderson
School of Engineering
Sciences and Engineering (Portfolio)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Alan Henderson
Email: Alan.Henderson@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
The unit extends students skills and knowledge of advanced fluid mechanics. The governing equations for fluid dynamics are introduced in differential form and are used to solve complex fluid mechanics problems for both laminar and turbulent flows involving boundary layers, internal and external flow, aerodynamics and compressible gas flow. The theory and methodology of Computational Fluid Dynamics is explored through a major design project that utilises parametric optimisation. Laboratory projects in aerodynamics and compressible flow further extends students’ experience in fluid flow measurement and analysis techniques. Sustainability aspects are addressed through an emphasis on efficiency and loss minimisation for fluid systems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Derive analytical solutions to laminar fluid flow problems using continuum theory based-methods.
2
Solve complex fluid flow problems for laminar and turbulent flow using established approximate and empirical methods.
3
Parametrically optimise a fluid related design problem using computational fluid dynamics to formally accepted standards for verification and validation.
4
Measure the performance of aerodynamic devices using experimental techniques in incompressible and compressible flow.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
ENG313
Alterations as a result of student feedback
This is a new unit! 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Lecture (On Campus)
Weeks 1-6: Weekly 3 hour lecture.
3
Study Period 6 times
Tutorial
Weekly Tutorial
1
Study Period 6 times
Lecture (On Campus)
Weeks 7-12 Weekly 2 hour lecture
2
Study Period 6 times
Computer Laboratory
Weeks 7-12: CFD 2 hr weekly workshops in computer lab
2
Study Period 6 times
Practical
Weeks 4 and 6 : Laboratory sessions.
3
Study Period 2 times
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Computational Fluid Dynamics Design Optimisation
Week 12
30 %
LO3
Assessment Task 2:
In-Class Test
Refer to Assessment Description
10 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:
Laboratory Reports
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO4
Assessment Task 4:
Final Examination
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Computational Fluid Dynamics Design Optimisation
Task Description:
The task involves conducting a design based teaching activity to parametrically optimise a fluid related problem using computational fluid dynamics. The task includes applying qualitative measures to ensure quality assurance and technical reporting of the analysis. This is the only task assessing ILO 3, but feedback on the CFD model and report may be sought during the computer lab classes in weeks 7-12. GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement)
Task Length:
15 pages excluding front matter and appendices
Due Date:
Week 12
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Parametrically optimise an engineering component using CFD modelling.
LO3
2
Demonstrate quality assurance in CFD modelling through application of accepted verificiation procedures
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: In-Class Test
Task Description:
An in-class test provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to solve fluid mechanics problems. This will be held in week 6 during class time. GenAI use is not permitted;
Task Length:
1 hour closed book written test
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
10 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Apply relevant governing equations to analytically solve problems in laminar fluid flow
LO1
2
Solve problems in turbulent and laminar flow using established approximate and empirical methods
LO2
 
Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Reports
Task Description:
Two group laboratory experiments will be completed during semester: aerodynamics (week 4) and supersonic flow (week 6). Students may self-select groups to attend using the student timetable. An individual written report is required from each student 10 working days following the date of the experiment. GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement)
Task Length:
10 pages per report excluding front matter and appendices
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Document experimental results from a laboratory experiment in sufficient detail to ensure repeatability.
LO4
2
Interpret results from experimental work by referring to theory and published literature to make logical conclusions
LO4
 
Assessment Task 4: Final Examination
Task Description:
A final closed-book examination provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply control volume methods to solve fluid mechanics problems under timed conditions. GenAI use is not permitted;
Task Length:
3 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Solve fluid mechanics problems through application of continuum theory in laminar flow
LO1
2
Solve laminar and turbulent flow problems through application of established approximate and empirical methods
LO2
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
To satisfy ILO1, you must achieve a mark of 50% or greater on a question assessing ILO 1 in the in-class test or exam.
To satisfy ILO2, you must achieve a average mark of 50% or greater on questions assessing ILO 2 in the in-class test or exam.
To satisfy ILO3, you must achieve a mark of 50% or greater on the CFD assignment.
To satisfy ILO4, you must achieve an average mark of 50% or greater on the laboratory report tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 
Required Resources
Required reading materials
 
 
Recommended reading materials
Cengel and Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics. Fundamentals and Applications, Fourth Edition in SI units, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2019
 
Other required resources